Related articles: Stuttering
Definition
Stuttering is a disorder of language that involves involuntary repetitions of syllables or words, prolongation of certain sounds, blockages during conversation, hesitation or pauses before speaking. It is therefore an alteration of the elocutorial side (also called verbal disfluency): the person who stutters is not able to express a thought or a concept, although he has already mentally formulated it, as it presents difficulties in finding in the limited conversation times the words at the right time.
The exact cause of stuttering is unknown, although it is thought to have neurophysiological origins.
This alteration of verbal communication appears mainly at 3-6 years, but, on some occasions, it can occur in adolescents or adults. Stuttering manifests itself with individual variability and may or may not occur depending on the context or the number of listeners. The problem may disappear in situations such as singing or repeating a text learned by heart.
In early childhood, stuttering can be favored by genetic factors and emotional states that negatively affect development, such as unpleasant family situations, severe social isolation or emotional deprivation.
Stuttering children have the same intellectual abilities as peers, but may be introverted or have difficulty learning the language. Developmental stuttering may disappear spontaneously under favorable environmental conditions. If this problem persists, however, logopedic rehabilitation techniques may be useful.
Rarely, stuttering can be acquired in adulthood as a result of neurological events, such as head trauma, stroke and brain tumors. Other causes include drug abuse and emotionally traumatic events (eg mourning, interruption of a relationship or psychological reaction to physical stress).
The disorder can also be adversely affected by lack of sleep, anxiety and low self-esteem.
Possible Causes * of Stuttering
- Anxiety
- Dyslexia
- Stroke
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
